Disadvantages And Advantages Of Using A Microfiche Scanner

By Grace Rivas


A microfiche scanner is a perfect solution for viewing thin transparent microfilms that contain documents. You might already know the machine uses a magnifier and a projector to display documents and images. You might see one of the machines at your local library, courthouse, school, or museum. Typically, these institutions listed have a vested interest in preserving documents and images.

Microform is a medium that is used to store copies of documents on a flat sheet of film, typically a polyester base. Multiple pages are printed on a film of extremely small size, and the standard is 105 millimeters by 148 millimeters. That equates to roughly 4 by 5.8 inches.

Microfilms are not normally viewable by the naked eye. The films must be magnified in order to view the films well enough. The machines that are built for this purpose use a magnifier and simple projectors.

The machines are costly. They are also unique and are employed in institutions that find documentation critical to their operations. Various optical scanners can be used to convert the films data into digital format that can be interchanged between computers. When storing a large amount of microfilm, a small storage cabinet is sufficient. A small storage cabinet of microfiches can hold up to 10,000 pages of context.

While the machines are expensive, they are not complicated to use and does not require specialized software or skill to use them. Digital storage media can only be read on things like computers. Some institutions do use microfiches and digital storage media interchangeably. The polyester material which the images are printed on is quite stable, and in temperature controlled environments, the films can last as long as 500 years.

In comparison, CDs have a relatively short life span, and they are not ideal solutions for long-term storage. CDs typically do not last beyond 100 years, unless concentrated care is exercised. Computers and digital storage mediums have a short-term life span in contrast to microfilms and scanners. Microfiches last a lot longer and are easy to replace when films are damaged or lost.

Microfiches do have some disadvantages, but its advantages outweigh the disadvantages. While the need of special equipment is required, it is still bulky and unideal for everyday transportation. The films and the machines to view them are not modern day trends and are considered specialized items.

Storing documents via microform is ideal for viewing black and white based data. For instance, you would not fare much benefit from using microfilms as a foundation for professional photography. Microfilms tend to degrade in color over time due to exposure to sunlight or other bright lights. If you are looking for high-end photography equipment, this is not it. This would be ideal for black and white contrasts such as language-based documents.

While it is possible to share files from a microfiche scanner via digital formats, it can be difficult. If one has the right equipment, it is a relatively straightforward process to set up. If a document is only available via microform, one has to travel to the physical location where a reader is to view the documents.




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